Abstract
The Relaxometer is a computer-controlled system developed for reliable clinical experimental measurements on neuromuscular block. This system is based on an adapted personal computer (Atari 1040 ST) with a monochrome monitor (Atari SM 124), and a microcomputer-driven slave unit (stimulator). There are several stimulation patterns available: single twitch at 0. 1 and 1 Hz, single train-of-four, continuous train-of-four every 12 seconds, and tetanic stimulation at 50 Hz for 5 seconds followed by posttetanic count. The system is equipped with a temperature module for continuous monitoring of the skin / muscle temperature and a rechargeable battery to allow uninterrupted measurements if the apparatus is disconnected from the line power. All acquired data, computer-calculated parameters (onset time, duration time, recovery index, train-of-four ratio, tetanic fade, and posttetanic count), and the mechanomyogram are presented on screen continuously, are stored on floppy disk, and can be printed in a well-organized format.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 38-44 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of clinical monitoring |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan-1993 |
Keywords
- EQUIPMENT, COMPUTER
- MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES, NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKADE
- MONITORING, NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION
- TWITCH TENSION
- NITROUS-OXIDE
- TEMPERATURE
- ANESTHESIA
- CONDUCTION
- BLOCKADE
- SKIN